Prescription Required
Description
Paxil CR is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drug consisting of paroxetine in oral tablet form (controlled release). This medication may also be known as Seroxat. We carry both the brand choice and generic alternative of this medication in 10mg, 20mg, and 30mg!
Paxil CR is prescribed to treat depression, including major depressive disorder. Depression is a constant state of hopelessness, self-doubt, and sadness. People with depression may suffer from a loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy, changes in appetite and sleep patterns (sleeping too much or not much at all), self-isolation from friends and family, inability to concentrate or get things done, loss of motivation, irritability, thoughts of suicide, and even physical symptoms like nausea, headache, and stomach aches (sometimes caused by anxiety, which is often associated with depression). There are many factors that can lead to depression but the exact reason is unknown; it is thought that depression is caused when chemicals in the brain become unbalanced.
Paxil CR (paroxetine) is effective at treating depression because its active ingredient is able to restore the chemicals in the brain back to normal so symptoms of depression are less likely to occur. Since this drug is able to affect the chemicals in the brain, it may also be used to treat panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Directions
You should only take this medication the way that you have been directed to by your doctor. It is important to follow his or her directions to achieve the full effect of the medication and to avoid adverse interactions. Directions given by your doctor can commonly be found on the prescription label. If you are unsure on how to take this medication, call your health care professionals.
Swallow the tablet whole and avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking the tablet. This medication may be taken with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Taking Paxil CR with food may lower the chance of an upset stomach.
Do not stop taking this medication unless directed to by your doctor. Suddenly stopping treatment may cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Store this medication at room temperature away from risk of moisture, heat, and light.
Cautions
Do not use Paxil CR (paroxetine)
Do not use this product if you are allergic to Paxil CR or any of its ingredients, or if you are also taking pimozide or thioridazine. You should also find an alternate medication if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interact may occur. Do not take a MAO inhibitor for at least 14 days following treatment with Paxil CR.
You should not use this medication if you plan on breast feeding.
Do not use Paxil CR if you are 17 years old are younger.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
To determine if this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have had heart disease, high blood pressure, a stroke, liver or kidney disease, a bleeding or blood clot disorder, seizures or epilepsy, bipolar disorder, drug addiction, suicidal thoughts, narrow-angle glaucoma, or low levels of sodium in your body.
Risks
Inform your doctor if you take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. These drugs may cause a serious adverse interaction (serotonin syndrome).
Young patients taking Paxil CR have reported having suicidal thought during the start of treatment with antidepressants.
Taking this drug while pregnant may cause serious lung problems or other complications in the baby. However, if you stop taking your medication, you may have a relapse of depression. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant. Do not stop or start taking this medication without approval from your doctor.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Paxil CR (paroxetine) may include:
vision changes; weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness; sweating, anxiety, shaking; or sleep problems (insomnia).
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Paxil CR (paroxetine) may include:
racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, unusual risk-taking behavior, feelings of extreme happiness or sadness, being more talkative than usual; blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights; unusual bone pain or tenderness, swelling or bruising; or changes in weight or appetite.
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…
new or worsening symptoms: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
severe nervous system reaction: very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, fainting.
low levels of sodium in the body: headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady.
serotonin syndrome: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
FAQs
What is Paroxetine?
Paroxetine is a drug that has beneficial effects for certain medical conditions; it is used in medicine as an antidepressant. It is what makes Paxil CR, as well as other medications, therapeutically effective. It belongs to the drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
What is Paroxetine HCL?
Paroxetine HCL stands for paroxetine hydrochloride; it is the hydrochloride salt of paroxetine. Paroxetine, before it is made into its salt form, doesn’t absorb into the body great, which is necessary for effectiveness. This is why drug manufactures will chemically change their drug into its salt form, if possible; using the salt form improves the drugs absorption and enhances the effectiveness of the medication. So while paroxetine is the drug with therapeutic benefits, the salt form of paroxetine is the final form used in the medication; it is what makes up Paxil CR that allows the benefits of the drug to be felt. Paroxetine hydrochloride (HCL) is commonly referred to as just paroxetine to prevent confusion.
What is Paroxetine used for?
Paxil CR (paroxetine) is a medication used for mental illnesses; mental illness can include a wide range of disorders that affect mood, thinking, and behaviors. So, what does Paxil treat specifically? The most common use of Paxil CR is for depression, which includes major depressive disorder as well as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
How does Paxil work?
Inside the human body, a chemical called serotonin is produced. Serotonin is made naturally to help regulate mood and behavior, as well as appetite, digestion, sleep, memory, and sexual desire and function; it is a crucial chemical for humans to produce. In cases of mental illness, the level of serotonin is commonly low and therefore, low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and other mental illnesses. How Paxil CR works to treat these mental illnesses is simply by balancing the levels of serotonin by preventing the brain cells from absorbing it back in too quickly.
What type of drug is Paxil?
Paxil (CR) is made up of a drug called paroxetine; it is an antidepressant belonging to the drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They are effective due to their capability to influence a certain neurotransmitter called serotonin; a crucial chemical naturally produced to help regulate mood and behavior.
How long does it take for Paxil to get out of your system?
How long does it take Paxil to get out of your system is a question that can be answered using simple math; take the half life of the drug (in hours) and times it by 5 to get the estimated amount of hours it takes for Paxil CR to clear the system. Paxil CR has a half life of 21-24 hours, so the longest amount of time it will take to clear the system is about 120 hours, which can be converted into 5 full days.
What are the side effects of Paxil?
Common side effects of paroxetine (Paxil CR) include changes in vision, weakness, sweating, or sleep problems. However, these side effects are normal and should not alarm you. Other possible side effects could also occur which have not been listed here. Speak to your health care professional to learn more about side effects of paroxetine.
How long does Paxil take to work?
The exact amount of time it takes for paroxetine (Paxil CR) to work will vary between each individual. Certain factors will determine how long it takes for a medication to become effective; some main ones include genetic make-up, age, and body size. So, how long does it take paroxetine to work on average? Within week 1 and 2 of treatment, you should begin noticing an improvement within sleep, energy, or appetite. However, the effectiveness of Paxil CR takes time and won’t happen over night; it could take several months before you feel the full effect of the medication.
When is the best time to take Paxil?
Paxil CR can be taken at any time of day, as stated by the brand manufacturers. For best results, you should take it at the same time each day. In some cases, like when taking multiple medications for example, your doctor may instruct you to take Paxil CR at a specific time; if this is the case, it is important to follow those directions very carefully.
How long do Paxil side effects last?
Side effects of Paxil CR occur while your body adjusts the medication. Side effects affect every one differently and therefore they may be present in some patients for longer than others; though they typically go away after a few weeks of treatment.
What is considered a high dose of Paxil?
It depends on what condition you are treating; certain conditions require a small dose while others require a higher dose. The following list shows the maximum daily doses, which can be considered high doses, of Paxil CR for each of its main indications;
Major depressive disorder: 62.5mg
Panic disorder: 75mg
Seasonal affective disorder: 37.5mg
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: 25mg
What does Paxil look like?
Paxil CR tablets are commonly very colorful and round; ranging between yellow, pink, and blue. Sometimes, the appearance of the tablets may vary, especially when purchasing internationally.
How much is Paxil without insurance?
In the United States, the cost of Paxil (CR) without insurance is commonly within the hundreds range. For perspective, the average retail cost in the United States for 100 brand-name tablets (25mg) is $700.00+ more than the cost for the generic tablets at My Drug Center. When you buy Paxil CR online through our international pharmacy, you will find the price for 100 generic tablets (25mg) for as low as $117.00, which is less than $1.20 per pill.
What is Paroxetine generic for?
Paroxetine (CR) is the generic name for the brand-name medication Paxil CR; it is what makes Paxil CR therapeutically effective. The generic for Paxil CR (paroxetine) is available in the same strengths as the brand (12.5 & 25 mg)
When did Paxil come out?
Paxil was first approved in the United States on the 29th of December, 1992. However, Paxil CR did not become available until the 16th of February, 1999.
Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft are what type of antidepressant drugs?
Prozac, Paxil (CR), and Zoloft are all antidepressants belonging to the drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The effectiveness of these medications relies on having an effect on serotonin. Serotonin has a crucial role in regulating mood and behavior, as well as other important human functions.
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